What does the term 'criminalization' refer to?

The term 'criminalization' refers to the process of defining behaviors as criminal, which involves societal recognition and legal classification of certain actions or behaviors as offenses deserving punishment or legal action. This process is influenced by various factors, including social norms, moral judgments, and political agendas, leading to the establishment of laws against specific behaviors that were not previously considered criminal.

Understanding this concept is essential in the study of crime and deviance because it illustrates how social definitions of acceptable behavior can shape legal systems and impact societal responses to certain acts. Through criminalization, behaviors can shift from being socially tolerated to legally sanctioned as criminal, reflecting changes in societal attitudes and cultural perceptions over time.